This Mealtime Debate Has Dog Owners Divided—Here’s What a Vet Says Works Best

It’s a new day, and your dog is ready to get it started. But what should you tackle first? While it may not seem like a big deal to flip-flop on whether you feed or walk your dog first, veterinarians say timing matters.

Learn more about how to set your dog up for success around mealtime to prevent stomach upset, potty accidents, bloat and more.

Why is a Routine Important?

There are several reasons it’s important for pet parents to stick to a consistent routine your dog can depend on, and feeding and walking make up two major parts of your dog’s day.

“Strategizing your dog’s walking and feeding schedule is important for general training and creating a consistent routine,” Fox says.

A routine is especially important, Fox adds, if you are in the middle of potty training your dog or if they have any medical conditions that affect proper digestion.

Guidelines by Life Stage

Some guidelines regarding the proper timing for feeding and walking apply to all dogs, but there are also specific situations to keep in mind concerning the age of your dog.

Puppies

Puppies are still learning the ropes when it comes to when and where to go to the bathroom. That’s why it’s better to err on the side of more potty breaks.

“They often need a chance to pee and poop before and after meals, as well as first thing in the morning and after any periods alone or in the crate,” Fox says. “In these cases, you’ll want to take your pup to the potty first to prevent accidents if it has been more than 30 minutes since their last pee/poop.”

After dinner, you’ll want to walk your puppy at least once more before bedtime—preferably twice—so you’re not stuck cleaning up a mess they left overnight.

Adult Dogs

While adult dogs don’t need quite as many potty breaks as their teeny counterparts, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind around mealtime and bathroom time.

“Most adult dogs will need a chance to pee and poop first thing in the morning before eating as well as in the evenings if they’ve been home alone for a few hours or more,” Fox says.

Some dogs may even be resistant to eating their food until they have a bathroom break. Emptying the tank before mealtime is almost always best practice.

Special Medical Considerations

There are, as with most things in life, a few exceptions to general guidelines. Dogs with certain medical conditions—or who are at a higher risk of certain medical conditions—may need a few more accommodations.

• For dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome: “Dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome need to eat more frequent, small meals,” Fox says. “They may do best having a very small snack first thing in the morning before a walk, as well as right before bed to avoid long periods of time with an empty stomach.”
• For dogs at high risk of bloat (GDV): “Some large and giant breed dogs are at a higher risk of these conditions, and there is a hereditary component as well,” Fox says. “For dogs at high risk, it is recommended to avoid intense exercise close to meal times (right before and right after eating).”

Short Walks vs. Exercise Sessions

Before scratching your dog’s entire daily routine, Fox says it’s important to keep in mind what actually counts as risky exercise near mealtime and what is perfectly safe.

“A short, controlled leash walk to pee and poop is going to be fine before or after eating but longer, more intense exercise sessions should not be done close to meal times,” Fox says.

Talk to Your Vet

All dogs are built differently, and what may work for Fido may not work for Bella. If you have any questions about your dog’s particular needs, connect with your veterinarian.